However the defense has some credentials as well

While it may not look good from the outset, the Mustangs are ranked 28th in passing average, which should give them a fighting chance in this one, especially if they can keep their defense off the field (ranked 88th in total defense)The Wolf Pack started the season 0-3, and then went on a tear, winning eight-straight games before running into the powerhouse that is Boise State. If it wants to win this game, it is going to have to shore up its passing defense, which gave up five touchdowns against Boise State. The team is ranked near the bottom in pass efficiency defense, and dead-last in pass defense. Ohio University BobcatsThe Herd is facing its seventh bowl since joining the FCS and its first "Battle for The Bell" against rival Ohio since both were members of the MAC in 2004 However, Marshall will be doing it with an interim coach. After the Herds embarrassing 52-21 season finale loss to UTEP, head coach Mark Snyder resigned from the team, leaving defensive coordinator Rick Minter in his stead, and Doc Holliday waiting in the wings to take over.

Will it be enough to bring the Bell to HuntingtonThe Bobcats are seeking their first bowl win in program history, having lost in their only three tries. The Bobcats face the unstoppable force of Mitchell, but they have an immovable object of their ownmiddle linebacker Noah Keller.Whoever wins this battle will win the day in Detroit. With Mitchell just coming back from injury, Im giving this one to the Bobcats, but its close.Prediction: Ohio 31, Marshall28 in overtime Meineke Car Care Bowl, North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Pittsburgh PanthersThe Tar Heels defense has a big job in stopping Pittsburghs marquee running back, Dion Lewis. It also needs to stop the Panthers pass attack, which has two big weapons in receiver Jonathan Baldwin and tight end Dorin Dickerson.However, the defense has some credentials as well.

It ranks sixth in the nation overall, and ninth against the rush. If North Carolina can take away the other part of the Pittsburgh offense, it should have no problem winning this game.The Panthers defense leads the nation in sacks, which means that the North Carolina offensive line must take special precautions to protect quarterback T.J Yates. The Pittsburgh offensive line must be able to open up holes for Lewis, because as he goes, so goes the team. This is a big job for both teams in the trenches, and this is where the game will be won or lost.I give the edge to North Carolina, because close losses to West Virginia (19-16) and Cincinnati (45-44) exposed some holes in th Pittsburgh line, and that doesnt bode well for Jimmy Johnson student Dave Wannstedt against his Johnson colleague, Butch Davis (both of them worked under Johnson at Oklahoma State, the University of Miami, and the Dallas Cowboys).Prediction: North Carolina 38, Pittsburgh 20 Emerald Bowl, Boston College Eagles vs. Southern California TrojansThe Eagles are looking good heading into this bowl, as they have already exceeded expectations this season They were expected to finish dead last in the ACC. The offense has been less than spectacular, but with a freshman (David Shinskie) at quarterback, the Eagles can only get better. Their defense has more than made up for it, however, ranking in the top 60 in most defensive categories.